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Mark and Robyn Lampert and sons, Kyle and Luke are the 2012 Stevens County Farm Family of the Year. The Lamperts received a plaque from Stevens County Extension Committee member Dylan Curfman as part of the community meal at the Stevens County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 8.

MORRIS, Minn. - In 2010, the Lampert Farms in Chokio became a century farm. Mark and Robyn live on the original farmstead that was started by Mark's great-grandfather. Today the Lamperts have 1100 acres, with approximately ½ of it being run conventional and the other half being run organically. The conventional crops grown include corn, soybeans, and wheat. The organic crops consist of blue corn, sunflowers, alfalfa, and barley. In addition, they organically finish out cattle. They also have a pig barn that holds 1000 head. The pigs are custom finished for Hilltop Swine. Organic chickens, turkey, and eggs can also be found on the farm. Robyn also has two high-tunnel greenhouses from which she markets her produce at farmers markets. Hot air solar panels are used on one greenhouse to heat the soil for early production and a 39.9 kW wind turbine is in the process of being built. The turbine will be used for net-metering. On the farm, sons Kyle (14) and Luke (13) help as needed. Mark's dad, Jack Lampert, also helps out in the spring and fall.

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and has been sponsored and coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.